EBV and CMV

I have just gotten blood work back for both these positive,, can anyone tell me if they are related? can i pass these on by performing oral sex on my partner? Or is it possible they came from my partner?

The two viruses aren't related. CMV is a common virus and usually people who have had CMV don't have symptoms at all. If they do have symptoms, their symptoms are usually just like cold symptoms. However CMV can be more disabling in people who immune compromised. I know of a couple of people in MedHelp who had CFS symptoms after they had a 'bout with CMV.

I think both of these viruses can be passed on through sexual intercourse. It is my opinion.... based on information that I've been reading about these viruses.

I have CMV and not EBV. They are two separate viruses but have very similar symptoms and yes they cannot be contracted by performing oral sex. EBV is the "kissing disease" that we knew as teenagers. It is highly contagious and is spread through any exchange of body fluid. In its most innocuous state you have flu like symptoms with swollen glands in your neck, fever, lethargy. These subside after a few weeks. In its most severe, it can cause liver damage but his is extremely rare. I would be suspect of a diagnosis of both EBV and CMV. However, this may be possible in immunocompromised individuals.

CMV is not a STD. In adults iIt is most commonly contracted in situations where and adult may come in contact with children and body fluids such as a day care situation. CMV is a virus that over 70% of the population has had. Most people have no symptoms and fight it off easily. It is extremely rare for a person who is not immunocompromised to have symptoms from CMV. Once you have had the virus you develop antigens in your body that help you fight it off if you are exposed to it again. Kind of like having chicken pox as a kid. CMV usually appears in the blood 2-3 weeks after exposure and is out of the blood by 12 weeks. However, it can stay in the blood and cause a false positive. In other words, you could have been exposed to it but it isn't currently active in your body. CMV never leaves you; however, again it only rarely has any symptoms.

I have active acute CMV. I am not sure when and where I was exposed. I had small children at the time, worked at a day care, my husband worked in orthopaedic surgery. Any of these situation could have exposed me to CMV. I am active because I am immunocompromised because I have no spleen. I am acute because I have continual outbreaks and it weakens my immune system so that I am suseptable to any infection that is around.

So unless you are immunocompromise (HIV positive, cancer, organ transplant, splenectomy) don't really worry about CMV or EBV. However, you may not be able to give your boyfriend CMV or EBV from performing oral sex, but you may be able to give it to him by kissing him. It has to be fluid to fluid contact. You are more likely to get CMV from changing a kids diaper or wiping a runny nose.

I just read your comment to PG. It is the most sensible explanation of CMV which I have had. 3 top docs and 2 other medical people have frightened the life out of me. I am laying in bed frightened to breathe in case that is my last breath! Have had severe ME (CFS in US I believe) for too long. Don't want to provide too many details in case someone has just been diagnosed - many people recover from this. Anyway, even though had bad chicken pox as kid, and have nursed 2 teenage daughters through it, because of low immunity have contracted the virus from my grandchildren. Add that to Psoriasis which became infected and we'll leave it there. Too much information! Anyway, big dermo doc took bloods and was really excited. Said I still had varicella flying high (OH, good!) and he'd found another virus which could explain all my ills (he wondered why I wasn't laughing!) - this was 3 weeks ago. I am wiped out but thought it was only natural with Cfs + anything else. He wants to use an anti-viral called gan something. I told him to leave me and my multiple allergies alone, I am in enough trouble thank you. My own GP and another Dr. all say I will feel better with this med. As you seem to know so much about it, can I ask you if CMV is catching to ordinary humans, have you taken any of this stuff which sounds awful from what I've read on the net, and has anyone else in this forum ever heard of a very eminent professor getting mixed up with CFS and CMV? I was in hospital for a week when I was first ill with M.E. so that they could check that it was that or rather that it wasn't anything else. Also, if I may use your post, Lisa, thank you, how long do I have to stay away from humanity ? It is now 6 weeks since the varicella outbreak and my skin is much better, just ordinary psoriasis now but the virus still swims around, apparantly. This is my first post. When I joined I was too ill to greet anyone .Sorry. I think I belong in a different section but hope it's ok to talk to you.

The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. Med Help International, Inc. is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. We disclaim all responsibility for the professional qualifications and licensing of, and services provided by, any physician or other health providers posting on or otherwise referred to on this Site and/or any Third Party Site. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. We offer this Site AS IS and without any warranties. By using this Site you agree to the following Terms and Conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your physician or 911 immediately.